Jack Katosh PLS Scholarship Awards announced for four political science students

May 19, 2025 - Logan Fusciardi and Karessa Weir

Four MSU Department of Political Science students are the first recipients of the newly created Jack Katosh Scholarships to assist MSU students in research, education, study abroad, and ROTC programs.  

Katosh, a PLS alumnus and long-time public opinion researcher, announced the generous gift in the fall of 2024, creating the awards to give back to his MSU roots. 

“The seeds to my career were embedded in me at Michigan State,” Katosh said. “Now I’m in a position where I’ve had a good career, invested well and at a point in my life where I’m able to ‘give back’ in a hopefully meaningful way. Each of the scholarships is geared to mirror some aspect of my career.”  

Each of the awards provides students with $5,000.  

Lowell Monis was selected for the 2025-26 Jack Katosh Political Science American Government Award, which focuses on outstanding research by an undergraduate student in US government. 

Lowell’s research paper, “Intersectionality in the Halls of Power: Diversity and Its Impact on Policy in United States Legislatures,” was impressive for its demonstration of high-quality research skills, sophisticated analysis, and valuable contribution to understanding of the role of diversity in legislative performance and representation, said Undergraduate Program Director Dr. Erica Frantz.  

Lowell applied for the award to expand his education into more advanced PLS courses.  

“Being selected as an inaugural recipient of the Jack Katosh Award validates my interdisciplinary approach to political science research. It recognizes the value of combining methods with political theory. This honor encourages me to continue exploring American governmental systems and motivates me to expand my research beyond academic settings. As one of the first recipients, I'm honored to help establish a tradition of scholarship that contributes to our understanding of effective governance and policymaking in the United States,” Lowell said. 

 Noelle Whorf was selected for the 2025-26 Jack Katosh Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning Award, which recognizes students interested in survey research.  Whorf has pursued multiple opportunities to deepen understanding of political science data and research, including assisting with MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, and she plans to continue work in survey research following graduation. 

“It is an honor to receive this award,” Whorf said. “I am humbled to be recognized among such a dedicated group of students. It is incredibly motivating to receive support from an individual like Mr. Katosh, who values investing in the education of future generations.” Whorf will be using this award to learn about British culture, history, and politics in London, Oxford, and Lake District, in the PLS Study Abroad Program “British Politics and Society,” with Dr. Michael Wahlman. 

 “Without this award, this experience would not be feasible for me, and it will significantly enrich my time here at MSU.”    

 Stella Weiss was selected for the 2025-26 Jack Katosh Political Science ROTC Award.   

“Stella is an exemplary student in Political Science, as well as a highly valued member of ROTC, demonstrating in all of these endeavors a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to service,” Dr. Frantz said. 

Stella is currently a cadet in Army ROTC and a Political Science Pre-Law major.  

“My ultimate aspiration is to become a miliary JAG officer and this scholarship supports both my academic and military career paths,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful to be one of the inaugural recipients of this award. It’s an honor to be recognized for my commitment to both ROTC and political science. This scholarship motivates me to continue striving towards both my academic and career goals. “ 

 Finally, Jaelynn Smith was selected for the 2025-26 Jack Katosh D.C. Study Away Scholarship, which recognizes undergraduate students pursuing experiential learning in the US capital.  Smith has substantial experience working as an intern, including for the Michigan Senate, and is a dedicated student and policy advocate.  Jaelynn plans to continue this work in the future in a position in D.C.  

"PLS is very grateful to Jack for his generous support of our students. Lowell, Noelle, Stella, and Jaelynn are such amazing examples as the first recipients of these awards, and we congratulate them for all their accomplishments," PLS Chair Jeff Conroy-Krutz said.